What’s on this Long Weekend

8th – 11th March

This is a long weekend worth staying in Canberra for. There’s non-stop action hitting the Capital to celebrate our very own public holiday!

French Film Festival kicks off– Thursday 7th March – Sunday 10th April

The Alliance Françoise French Film Festival is here from the 7th March to 10th April at Palace Cinemas and this year celebrating its 30th anniversary showcasing the biggest festival ever. A whopping 54 movies, including comedies, documentaries, historical films, children movies among others, and eight special events to compliment the French cinema will fill the month. This weekend on Sat 9th March, they’re hosting a special event ‘The Western Session’ from 6:30 PM where you can enjoy a drink and live music on arrival and watch The Sisters Brothers. Check out more information about films and ticketing on their website.

Enlighten Illuminations – Friday 8th – Monday 11th March

See the Parliamentary Triangle come to life after dark from 8pm – 10pm Sunday to Thursday and 8pm – midnight Friday and Saturday. Witness thought provoking and moving large-scale projections on Australian Parliament House, the National Portrait Gallery, the National Library of Australia, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia and Questacon. To kick start the Enlighten Festival in 2019, the Illuminations have been extended to 11 nights to provide the perfect backdrop for your Canberra Day celebrations. Canberra’s Parliamentary Triangle and satellite venues will be transformed into vibrant arts precincts, showcasing Australian talent, amazing roving artists, live bands and enchanting performances. Plus, enjoy late night openings at many iconic national attractions.

Enlighten Festival is shining a spotlight on Canberra’s talented film-makers as competition sparks creativity. Filmmakers are given a list of ten items to include in their movie, with only ten days to shoot, edit and produce a seven-minute film exploring the theme of ‘a small step’. This year’s theme has been chosen to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, which the Honeysuckle Creek Tracking Station, just south of Canberra, helped televise to the world. The screening of the top twelve finalists will again take place outdoors in the Senate Rose Gardens at the Museum of Australian Democracy, with the awards winners announced immediately after the screening. From 7pm, bring your chair, bean bag or blanket and settle in for a great night of film viewing. Picnics are welcome and foodies will be on site dishing up movie snacks and delicious dinners.

Canberra Balloon Spectacular – Saturday 9th – Sunday 17th March

Wake up to the view of hot air balloons floating across the city during the Canberra Balloon Spectacular. This mesmerising view is best appreciated from the lawns of Old Parliament House. Held over nine days, the Canberra skyline will be full of hot air balloons from across the globe. Each day from 6:15am pilots will begin inflating their balloons on the lawns of Old Parliament House before ascending into the sky and creating a picturesque backdrop for Canberra’s national attractions. Passengers can experience the thrill of hot air ballooning over Canberra at sunrise while spectators on the ground are treated to an experience of the senses. Flurries of colour, sound and movement complemented by live music, hot drinks and a delicious breakfast available for purchase from the Belconnen Lions Club or one of our tempting food trucks will make your morning one to remember. For more info, visit their website.

Sparkling Seafood Dinner at Highgate House – Saturday 9th March

A Sparkling wine & Seafood dinner that will tickle your taste buds and quench your thirst sounds like the perfect Saturday night! Guests are served Oyster w/ plum granita & Sparkling wine Cocktail on arrival, followed by a premium five-course dinner paired with sparkling wines. With all Australian wines and Australian fresh seafood, Highgate House supports local businesses for you to indulge in. Tickets are $138.00 and you can purchase online.

Black Opal Stakes at Thoroughbred Park – Sunday 10th March

The 2019 John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes is just one of Thoroughbred Park’s premier events, and no doubt this year will be a race to remember. This race marks the first of Autumn and it has all the ingredients to amount to one of the best events of the year. Choose from dining packages in the Silk Room, or watch the race with the cheering crowds. Take a minute to plan your racewear and you could be crowned the Canberra Outlet Fashions on the Field Winner. Gates open at 11.30am and racing commences at 1pm. For more information and ticketing, visit their website.

Symphony in the Park – Sunday 10th March

We guarantee this is not your standard symphony experience. Framed by the tree-lined landscape of the iconic Commonwealth Park at Stage 88, sit back and relax as the Canberra Symphony Orchestra fills the air with music. The natural amphitheatre provides the perfect backdrop for what is guaranteed to be a magical experience for all the family. The Canberra Symphony Orchestra have outdone themselves this year, perfecting a new interpretation of music we all know and love. From 7-10pm, bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a bite to eat from the traders as you watch the sunset.

Canberra Day Festival – Monday 11th March

It’s Canberra’s 106th birthday and she’s looking as young as ever! Join in the celebrations with a program bursting to the seams with live music and entertainment for all. The stunning landscape of Commonwealth Park will provide the perfect backdrop for your family day out. Enjoy the thrill of amusement park rides or indulge in a tasty treat from local traders. Relax with a picnic to the sound of live music or join in the children’s activities. From 2-7pm, come down to Stage 88 where there’s something for everyone!

Canberra Day Weekend Miniature Golf Tournament – Sunday 10th March

Get ready to tee off Canberra! This long weekend at Yarralumla Play Station (9 Pescott Lane, Yarralumla), entrants will have the chance to wish Canberra a Happy Birthday as they putt-putt around Canberra’s most famous icons including Parliament House and Lake Burley Griffin. Entries are open to any team of two and include 1 round of mini-golf, ball hire, putter hire, scorecards and the chance to win the Major Prize. Cost is $30 per team and you can enter here.